Liverpool’s 1-0 away win in Paris in the first leg of their last sixteen fixture against PSG was seen as one of their best results of the season. The Reds held firm, staying in the game thanks to a masterclass by Alisson in goal before they secured a 1-0 advantage thanks to a Harvey Elliott strike. However, the return leg at Anfield didn’t go to plan, with an Ousmane Dembele first-half goal forcing the tie to a penalty shootout, which the Parisians won. Now, Liverpool must regroup quickly to stay on course for a good end to the season.
Liverpool, who are currently a stunning 15 points clear in first place in the English top flight and the huge favourites to win the league according to Premier League betting online, will be very keen to stay on course to lift only their second-ever Premier League crown. It is likely, though, that their nerves will be put to the test in due course, with Arne Slot’s side not due to play again in the top flight until April. In that time, the likes of Arsenal and Nottingham Forest, 2nd and 3rd respectively, will play multiple times and could close the gap on Liverpool at the top.
The reason why Arsenal and Co. will have the chance to close the gap, and another reason why Liverpool simply have to put their Champions League exit behind them immediately, is because they’ve got a chance to win their first piece of major silverware under Slot on Sunday. They’re set to face Newcastle United at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final, in a game they’re expected to win as the competition’s most successful team of all time.
Of course, exiting the Champions League, especially after bringing a 1-0 lead to Anfield, is hugely disappointing for everyone involved. However, the perfect remedy is for Liverpool to go to Wembley and collect the first trophy on offer to them this season. By doing so, while the PSG result at Anfield won’t be forgotten about; it will be put on the shelf, and the focus will be back on the task at hand, which is first winning the Carabao Cup and then returning to Premier League action and securing the title.
There haven’t been too many slip-ups or disappointments since Slot replaced legendary manager Jurgen Klopp in the summer. But when there have, Liverpool have bounced back immediately and shown their mettle. Based on how this season’s unfolded thus far, it seems likely they will be ready to take their Champions League frustrations out on the Magpies at Wembley.
It’s the mark of a good team when a group of players can turn disappointment into motivation, preventing it from impacting what happens further down the line. And there’s certainly no reason to doubt this Liverpool side’s mentality, nor their ability, especially in cup finals they’re so used to winning.
